Gerontology Graduate Certificate

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Gerontology Graduate Certificate

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Enhance your skills in geriatric care and prepare for leadership roles in the aging field.

UMass Boston's online, five-course Gerontology Graduate Certificate program is designed for students who have a general interest in the study of gerontology, and either want to test the program before pursuing an MS degree, or enhance their knowledge base regarding the impacts of aging societies for personal or professional benefit. The program offers summer courses; online, evening, and weekend courses; and full- and part-time study options.

In this program, you will:

Develop advanced knowledge of the physiological, psychological, and social aspects of aging, gaining a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population
Acquire practical skills in geriatric care, gerontological assessment, program planning, and policy analysis, equipping you with the expertise needed to effectively serve older adults and contribute to the development of age-friendly communities
Cultivate a person-centered and compassionate approach to working with older adults, emphasizing empathy, cultural sensitivity, and ethical decision-making in your interactions and interventions

Career Possibilities

Coordinate and manage programs and services for older adults in government agencies, non-profit organizations, or community centers, addressing their social, health, and economic needs. Work with health care providers to develop and implement effective care plans. Or, conduct research on aging-related issues to contribute to evidence-based policy and practice in the field of gerontology. These are just a few of the possibilities.

Become a(n):

Aging Program Coordinator
Geriatric Care Manager
Research Analyst
Aging Policy Advocate
Aging and Workforce Consultant

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Plan Your Education

How to Apply

Applicants must meet general graduate admission requirements in addition to the following program-specific requirements:

A minimum, cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale (or international equivalent) in all undergraduate work
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of recognized standing or an international equivalent at the time of enrollment
Official transcripts for all institutions where you have earned more than 6 credits
Resume or curriculum vitae
Statement of Purpose

Deadlines & Cost

Deadlines: June 15 for fall; December 1 for spring

Application Fee: The nonrefundable application fee is $75. UMass Boston alumni and current students that plan to complete degree requirements prior to graduate enrollment can submit the application without paying the application fee.

Estimate Your Program Cost: Get a feel for your expected program costs using the Graduate Program Cost Calculator.

Program Cost Information: For more detailed information on costs, please visit the Bursar's website or send an email to Bursar@umb.edu. Please refer to Graduate Student Financial Aid for more information on financial aid.

Curriculum

Course Requirements

Electives (15 Credits): Complete five from below.

GERON GR 610 - Understanding Data: Research Methods for Managers 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 612 - Healthy Aging Perspectives 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 622 - Aging in Society 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 624 - Aging Policy and Programming 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 629 - Psychological Impact of Aging 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 630 - Residential Long Term Care Management 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 635 - Leadership and Ethics in Aging Services 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 640 - Introduction to Senior Transportation 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 645 - Marketing of Aging Services 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 650 - Service Delivery Issues in Aging 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 660 - Organization and Financing of Aging Services 3 Credit(s)
GERON GR 670 - Human Resources & Personnel Management in Aging Services 3 Credit(s)

For more information on curriculum, including course descriptions and degree requirements, visit the Academic Catalog.

Graduation Criteria

Complete 15 credits from five electives.

Graduates are eligible to apply their credits towards the Gerontology: Management of Aging Services MS program.

Statute of limitations: Three years.

Contact

Graduate Program Director Ellen Birchander
ellen.birchander [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7300

Program Manager Martin Hansen-Verma
martin.hansen [at] umb.edu
(617) 287-7338

Gerontology Programs
gerontology [at] umb.edu

Gerontology

Learn more about UMass Boston's Gerontology department, our research, and our faculty.

Explore the Department of Gerontology

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UMass Boston programs are designed to meet the requirements for licensure or certification in Massachusetts. Please contact your state licensing or certification board to determine whether the program meets the requirements for licensure or certification in other states.

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